ECC - ICU Veterinary Technician Credentialed

Job DetailsJob Location: Legal Address - Walpole, MA 02081Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $26.00 - $36.00 HourlyJob Shift: AnyTufts V.E.T.S. is a multispecialty emergency and critical care VECCS level 1 certified facility in New England. We are an affiliate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at Tufts University, providing a unique environment that integrates learning into a busy private practice setting.  We are committed to providing the highest standard of patient care from a wide range of specialty services including emergency and critical care, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiology and diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, and urgent care.  We are continually seeking to unite highly skilled professionals in veterinary medicine to provide a collaborative environment that strives to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond.    Tufts V.E.T.S. strives to be a community where diversity and inclusion are a priority.  POSITION OVERVIEW The emergency and critical care service requires a team of people to work collaboratively for the benefit of our patients. All members should respect each other’s expertise and qualifications and capitalize on those expertise’s for the benefit of the team and its patients. In the hospital setting of an emergency facility an ECC Veterinary Technician must possess the capability of performing under pressure with calmness, confidence, and ease. They must display patience, compassion, and excellent listening skills when faced with such critical cases. The ECC Veterinary Technician should model a high-level of professionalism, critical thinking/problem-solving skills, and can navigate challenging interactions with ease. The ECC team should be ready and able to take direction from the ECC Leads, ECC Supervisor, Chief of ECC, and Veterinarians in terms of patient care and needs of the service to perform in a manner that promotes the best possible care.   Essential Functions & Responsibilities Patient Care & Nursing Responsibilities Deliver compassionate, high-quality nursing care to hospitalized medical, surgical, and critically ill patients. Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including temperature, pulse, respiration, pain assessment, perfusion parameters, neurologic status, hydration, and overall patient comfort. Monitor patients throughout hospitalization, recognize subtle changes in patient condition, and promptly communicate concerns to the attending veterinarian. Administer medications, intravenous fluids, blood products, nutritional support, and other prescribed treatments accurately and safely. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely medical records in the electronic medical record (EMR). Perform daily nursing care including patient hygiene, bedding changes, mobility assistance, nutritional support, catheter maintenance, and comfort care. Safely and compassionately restrain patients using low-stress handling techniques appropriate to their medical condition and temperament. Maintain strict aseptic technique and adhere to hospital infection prevention and biosecurity protocols. Advanced Technical Responsibilities Place and maintain peripheral intravenous catheters. Perform venipuncture using jugular, cephalic, lateral saphenous, and femoral veins. Calculate, prepare, and administer medications via IV, IM, SQ, PO, and continuous rate infusions (CRIs). Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain intravenous fluid therapy and infusion pumps. Assist with or perform advanced nursing procedures including central venous catheter care, urinary catheter placement and maintenance, nasogastric tube placement and management, and blood product administration and monitoring. Monitor patients throughout anesthesia, sedation, and recovery. Obtain high-quality diagnostic radiographs while following radiation safety protocols. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot ICU medical equipment and monitoring devices. Critical Care Monitoring Operate, interpret, and troubleshoot advanced patient monitoring equipment, including ECG, capnography (ETCO₂), pulse oximetry (SpO₂), oscillometric and Doppler blood pressure monitoring, and temperature monitoring. Monitor patients receiving oxygen therapy, CRIs, transfusions, and other advanced supportive therapies. Anticipate patient needs, recognize changes in patient status, and communicate findings promptly to the veterinary team. Prioritize care for multiple hospitalized patients in a fast-paced emergency and specialty environment. Laboratory & Diagnostic Responsibilities Collect, prepare, and submit diagnostic samples to in-house and reference laboratories. Perform in-house laboratory testing including CBC, chemistry, EPOC analysis, blood typing and crossmatching, blood smear evaluation, PCV/TS, lactate, blood glucose, Azostix, and other point-of-care diagnostics. Document laboratory results accurately and communicate abnormal findings promptly to the attending veterinarian. Client Communication & Patient Discharge Communicate professionally, compassionately, and effectively with clients and members of the healthcare team. Provide patient status updates within established hospital communication guidelines. Prepare patients for discharge by ensuring medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up recommendations are complete. Review discharge instructions and medications with clients as directed by the attending veterinarian. Facilitate owner visitation in accordance with hospital protocols. Deliver exceptional client service while representing Tufts VETS with professionalism and empathy. Team Collaboration & Hospital Operations Collaborate with specialists, emergency clinicians, interns, residents, veterinary students, technicians, assistants, liaisons, and client care representatives to deliver exceptional patient care. Support Tufts VETS' teaching mission by assisting in the training and mentorship of new employees, students, interns, residents, and fellow team members. Participate in emergency admissions, patient transfers, and stabilization of critically ill patients. Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, safe, and well-stocked ICU and inpatient service. Report equipment concerns and assist with inventory management and equipment maintenance. Contribute to efficient workflow and support other hospital services as patient care demands. Technical Competencies Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in: Advanced patient assessment and nursing care Venipuncture and peripheral IV catheter placement Medical calculations and medication administration Continuous rate infusions (CRIs) Intravenous fluid therapy Blood product administration and monitoring Multiparameter patient monitoring Anesthesia and sedation monitoring Emergency and critical care nursing Laboratory diagnostics and specimen handling Digital radiography Electronic medical records (EMR) Infection prevention and aseptic technique Critical thinking, prioritization, and effective communication in a specialty referral hospital General Expectations Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and compassion in every interaction with clients, patients, students, colleagues, and hospital partners. Collaborate effectively with all members of the healthcare team to provide exceptional patient care. Maintain a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment through teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect. Exercise sound judgment, remain composed under pressure, and effectively prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment. Demonstrate initiative by anticipating patient and service needs and contributing to continuous improvement within the service. Participate in continuing education, departmental meetings, hospital training, and quality improvement initiatives. Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all hospital policies, safety protocols, standard operating procedures, attendance expectations, and the Employee Code of Conduct. Report to work prepared to provide outstanding patient care and contribute positively to the team. Represent Tufts VETS with professionalism, empathy, courtesy, and exceptional client service. Perform other duties as assigned in support of patient care and hospital operations.   Personal conduct and interpersonal skills are very important.  Interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated.     **Position responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the service or business without it being specifically included in the job description.    SCHEDULE Shifts TBD. Schedule subject to change at management’s discretion to meet the needs of the service. This position is considered essential and is therefore required to work as scheduled during inclement weather (i.e., during snowstorms). This position does have weekend and holiday requirements.   Compensation: Is based on education, experience, credentials, and skill level    Benefits: Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401K, flexible spending accounts, PFML, Employee Assistance Program, paid maternity leave, paid vacation/sick/personal time, employee pet discount, uniforms, CE opportunities and allowance, and paid holidays         QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS High school diploma or equivalent Degree in Veterinary Technology and/or Animal Science preferred Certification as a Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, or LVT)  Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) desirable EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Minimum of 2 years working in the veterinary field as a Veterinary Technician Prior experience working in emergency and critical care or specialty medicine preferred PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS   Minimum of 18 years old. Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can treat them compassionately even when they are stressed, ill or in pain. Must support and foster an environment of diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and empathy. Must have excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills. Can multi-task in a fast-paced working environment. Can stay calm and efficient under pressure. Is detail oriented and reliable. Has a high commitment to providing exceptional patient/client care. Has excellent communication skills. Must be professional, approachable, and maintain an optimistic outlook. Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs.).  Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position. Working conditions:  May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noise, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.   CONTINUING EDUCATION Maintain credentialing requirements and CE each year. Required to attend and submit 10 CE courses every 2 years for VECCS. Advanced training and credentialing such as becoming a VTS is strongly encouraged. Complete annual CE and training as assigned including educational reading.